Last Friday, Ghana took an important and timely step towards the future with the launch of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2025–2035). At a time when artificial intelligence is reshaping economies, governance systems and labour markets across the globe, Ghana has signalled that it does not intend to remain a passive consumer of imported technologies. It seeks instead to become an active participant in designing and deploying AI for national development.That ambition deserves commendation.
Launching the strategy in Accra, President John Dramani Mahama declared that Ghana would pursue a human-centred approach to AI development, insisting that technology must enhance human capabilities rather than diminish human dignity. This principle is not only morally sound, it is economically wise.He disclosed that the Ghana Education Service has been tasked to revise the national curriculum to prepare students for the artificial intelligence era, with greater emphasis on digital skills, innovation and problem-solving.
Nations that treat AI merely as a tool for efficiency without considering ethics, inclusion and social impact may gain short-term advantages but risk long-term instability. The Ghanaian approach, at least on paper, attempts to strike the right balance between innovation and responsibility.
The strategy’s scope is impressive as it covers education and training, youth empowerment, digital infrastructure, data governance, public sector reform, research, sectoral adoption and ethical oversight. It envisions AI applications in agriculture, healthcare, education, transport and public administration. It also proposes large-scale skills development programmes such as the One Million Coders initiative, a Responsible AI Authority and a national fund to support start-ups and research.
If implemented seriously, these measures could help modernise Ghana’s economy, improve public service delivery and expand employment opportunities in high-value sectors. Yet the real test begins now.
The Chronicle particularly welcomes the President’s directive to the Ghana Educational Service to reform the curriculum for the AI age. No nation can hope to lead in emerging technologies while educating its youth for outdated economic realities. Curriculum reform must, therefore, move beyond rhetoric into practical changes in classrooms, teacher training colleges and universities.
Too often in our national life, strategies are launched with fanfare only to gather dust on ministerial shelves. Ghana has produced many fine policy documents over the decades, but execution has frequently lagged behind ambition. This AI strategy must not become another ceremonial blueprint.
Artificial intelligence cannot thrive in an environment of weak fundamentals. The first requirement is reliable digital infrastructure. Many communities still struggle with poor internet connectivity, slow speeds and high data costs.
Even in major urban centres such as Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, Ho and Sekondi-Takoradi, service quality can be inconsistent. A country cannot build a digital economy while large sections of its population remain digitally excluded.
The second requirement is energy security. AI systems, cloud computing and data centres demand substantial and stable electricity supply. Ghana cannot speak confidently about becoming an AI hub while businesses and households continue to worry about power instability. If the strategy is to succeed, the energy question must be treated as central, not peripheral.
Moreover, education reform is indispensable. AI readiness is not limited to coding -it includes mathematics, logic, data literacy, ethics, critical thinking and research culture. Our schools and universities must be equipped to produce not only users of technology, but creators of it. This means teacher training, curriculum reform, laboratory investment and stronger collaboration between academia and industry.
There is also the matter of governance. AI carries real risks: bias in automated systems, privacy abuse, surveillance overreach and labour displacement. Ghana must, therefore, establish clear legal safeguards, transparent regulation and accountable institutions. Public trust will determine whether adoption succeeds.
Most importantly, the benefits of AI must not be captured by a narrow urban elite. Farmers, traders, nurses, teachers, artisans and small businesses must see practical value in these technologies. If AI improves crop yields, shortens hospital waiting times, reduces corruption, expands access to education and lowers business costs, citizens will embrace it.
The Chronicle welcomes Ghana’s National Artificial Intelligence Strategy as a bold declaration of intent. But declarations alone do not transform nations. Fibre-optic cables do. Stable electricity does. Skilled workers do. Honest regulation does. Sustained investment does.
Ghana has announced its arrival at the starting line of the AI era. The task now is to run the race with discipline, competence and urgency.
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